Breast Cancer - can we just ask GP to do a breast check up?

[FairyLightBlanket45]

Evening everyone - I just wanted to know if anyone has ever just gone to the GP for a general breast check up? If it’s the norm or if your supposed to or allowed too....
A family friend has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s in late stages and outlook is not looking good. As well as being upset this has given me a fright.
I have had cancer as a child. I’m always trying to keep on top health wise and keep track of my body because to be frank I’m terrified of having it again. Breast cancer has also been in the family.
I would really feel at ease a bit more if a doctor could just give them a good poke and check. I think my minds just all over the place....

More than a GP having a poke around, would he prescribe a mammogram+ultrasound?
How old are you?

I don’t think a GP would do that I think they’d just direct you to literature telling you how to check your own breasts . If I was that concerned I’d just pay for a private mammogram / scan .

I'm sorry to hear about your friend
I think you should talk to your GP about whether you qualify for any screening programs that take into account your risk factors. Its unlikely a GP having a poke around is going to spot unusual lumps and dips more than you who know your breasts or your partner are.
Regular breast exams are important and asking the GP about anything unusual is right but familiarity with your breasts is only something you and possibly your partner are going to have.

Thank you all - I think I just had a real panic breakdown after the shock.
I’m only 31 - so I know I’m not in the “prime” age for it.
I just really wondered if it was possible - I may have a private check just to be sure or ask about potential screenings. They’re very big 🙂 and I do check them myself.
Ugh I think it’s one of those things isn’t it like when someone talks about nits and you suddenly feel like your head is itching? I was suddenly checking myself and thinking “have they always been like that? Felt like this? Is that just a rub where the bra is or something else?”
Thank you everyone - I just had a wobble. I will give myself a good check frequently and get my focus back

@FairyLightBlanket45 my GP has given me a check on two occasions, they can't refer you without checking you, so the comments above are not reliable, it also really helps to show you how and where you should be checking.

hjwt the GP does check when you go in with something irregular, but they cannot be relied upon to spot changes or do checks when you don't have a specific concern. I don't believe we said differently to that

I have asked my GP to do a breast check before and they have been more than hapoy to do so. I have OCD and HA and do am forbidden by my therapist to check my own boobs. Generally dp does it, but the GP does the odd one for belt and braces.

My advice ( breast cancer twice) is not to use a sponge/ flannel or similar when you shower. Always use your hands. That way you get used to the feel of your breast tissue, then you can feel any change. My first time I felt a definite lump, small, but there. The second time (17 years later), I felt a thickening of the tissue. You need to be the expert